Ethan Asher

Friday was a great night for the Powell High School football program, as the Panthers opened the 2019 season with an emotional 24-7 win against Worland.

But what happened off the field was more notable, as local and regional fundraising efforts collected more than $30,000 for injured Panther quarterback Ethan Asher and his family.

“It was amazing,” said PHS activities director Scott McKenzie. “I knew our community would be there for the Ashers, and they were, in a big way.”

Ethan Asher is continuing to receive medical treatment in Billings after suffering serious injuries — including to his head and spine — in an Aug. 27 crash. His parents say he “continually shows us minor improvements.”

“Ethan is being mended together daily” by God, Tiffani and Andy Asher wrote in a Sunday Facebook post, describing a recent moment when Ethan wiggled his toes.

The Ashers also shared their appreciation for all the support they’ve received.

“The overabundance of generosity is spreading like wildfire across our state,” Tiffani and Andy wrote. “We are humbled and honored for your generosity at every event with every school.”

Fundraising at PHS began in earnest on Thursday after an anonymous donor pledged to match any funds raised during Friday’s football game up to $10,000. McKenzie said the school collected $5,500 from about noon Thursday to the end of classes on Friday from within the school, community members and other schools. The Powell Athletic Roundtable hosted a tailgate party prior to the game that raised $3,500, while a group from Greybull called Hands Across the Saddle cut a check for $2,500.

But the giving was far from over: another $5,000 came in from a bucket passed around the audience at halftime, while the Worland contingent chipped in another $3,000 from their T-shirt sales and fundraising.

With all of those contributions, “We had about $19,500 in hand following Friday’s game, and the $10,000 from the anonymous donor made it $29,500,” McKenzie said. “And then we had some more donations trickle in later in the game that put the total over the $30,000 mark.”

Goodies Bakery came through with $700, while Roundup, Montana, donated $400 during the game’s final minutes. McKenzie said he was overwhelmed by the generous contributions, though not surprised.

“I’ve been part of this community for 30 years, and that’s why I’ve been part of this community for 30 years,” he said. “People just come forward for each other in times like this.”

Outside the activities at PHS and other schools, many local businesses have been donating proceeds to the Asher family.

PHS senior Brody Karhu spoke earlier about this being “Wy-Home-ing, and that sure rings true,” McKenzie said. “The respect of the community of Powell to our neighboring communities speaks volumes here, that they are here to help us — and we will always be there to help them in their times of need.”

Local residents will have another chance to contribute Thursday, as the PHS volleyball team is hosting Team Ethan Night, coinciding with the Lady Panthers’ home opener against Thermopolis. Hickory Street will be cooking burgers and donating proceeds to the Asher family.

“We’ll continue to rally for Ethan and his family,” McKenzie said.

“The Ashers talk about Ethan’s story is not done being told, and I’m a firm believer in that,” he added. “This is going to be an amazing story when it’s all said and done.”